Elizabeth Good (8/30/2010)
I made a career transition in a similar way. I got to know the programmers in the company and asked for advice. I also asked my current boss if I could do some part time programming work for the other department. When there was a programming opening, they considered me, but hired someone from outside who had more experience. That programmer ended up leaving after a few months, so they offered me the position. I programmed for six months, and then again volunteered when a Senior DBA said she needed an assistant. Then she left the company, and it was "Tag, you're it!"Get to know people, ask advice--it doesn't cost them anything. Then volunteer your time to learn what you're interested in. I found out that I wasn't cut out from programming, but was more suited toward DBA work.